Small Projects Driving Lakes' Corridor Plans

LAUDERDALE LAKES — The city's plans to transform the State Road 7 and Oakland Park Boulevard corridors into Broward County's newest business and entertainment district is moving forward in baby steps.

Small projects, such as Island Grill and Church's Chicken restaurants, a 7-Eleven, Starbucks and a new store stocked with inexpensive furniture, are driving the redevelopment engine.

A proposed Walgreens drugstore is in limbo and the big fish, a Magic Johnson movie theater, seems all but dead.

Still, officials say, the new businesses are a testament that the city is serious about development. The city recently created a community redevelopment agency and approved a redevelopment plan. Both, officials say, indicate there's much more to come.

"The city is at a wonderful stage in the development process. All possibilities are open, and we're giving special attention to mechanisms that can bring people into the city," said Community Development Director Michael Matthias.

For the Magic Johnson theater and entertainment complex to be built, though, about $3 million in public funds would have to be pumped in.

The city declined to pursue such a deal largely based upon a downturn in the demand for movie multiplexes.

Starbucks, also owned in part by basketball legend Johnson, opened Nov. 9 at Lakes Mall. A grand opening, with Johnson in attendance, is planned for Feb. 16.

Island Grill, another Lakes Mall tenant, will be the first U.S. store for the Jamaican fast-food chain. The restaurant is scheduled to open March 15.

Church's Chicken will soon move into the former Rally's site at 3450 N. State Road 7.